Minister recognizes United Nations Decade of Peace 
and the 60^th Anniversary of the Atlantic Charter

In the House of Assembly today, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel brought attention to the United Nations Declaration for a Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children which will begin on January 01, 2001. As well, 2001 will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Atlantic Charter.

"The signing of the Atlantic Charter is a significant historical event with which Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are closely associated," said Minister Noel. "The charter was a declaration of eight common principles of international relations intended to establish post-war peace. Subsequently, the declaration was endorsed by 15 countries and became the catalyst for the Grand Alliance which overcame the axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan in 1945. This league of nations was responsible for the establishment of the United Nations. I am working with interested citizens in the area, and others, to help develop an appropriate commemoration of our association with this important event."

The Atlantic Charter was signed by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt while meeting aboard the HMS Prince of Wales and the USS Augusta in Ship Harbour, Placentia Bay on August 12, 1941.

"The proclamation of the United Nations resolution 53/25, the Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children, is a very significant event for the world. We must strengthen our commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts, equal rights and opportunities for women and men, and the right to freedom of expression, opinion and information."

"Violence is a learned response," Minister Noel continued. "We must teach our children, just as they are taught to read and write, to admonish violence and respect peace. Legislators have integral and significant roles to play in promoting and strengthening a culture of peace. We must assume responsibilities in setting a course in the 21st^t century towards a just and peaceful global community."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Intergovernmental Affairs (709) 729-1341.

• Minister's statement

2000 12 13 2:50 p.m.